Aqueous solutions of low molecular weight carboxylic acids, such as acetic,
propionic and butyric acids, were treated by catalytic wet air oxidation (
CWAO) using a carbon supported platinum catalyst. Oxidation in the presence
of the catalyst, in a stirred reactor, was carried out at 200 degrees C an
d 6.9 bar of oxygen partial pressure, with conversions (after 2 h) ranging
from 59.4 to 75%, and selectivities to gaseous products of up to 100%. Init
ial rates for conversion varied from 184 (butyric acid) to 260 mmol h(-1) g
(pt)(-1) (propionic acid). The activation energy for butyric acid conversio
n was found to be 56.7 kJ mol(-1) (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights
reserved.